Go Outdoors CEO to take on new role

Tuesday 09 October 2012 - Editorial Assistant

Outdoor equipment and clothing retailer Go Outdoors has announced today that its CEO and joint founder John Graham is to stand down from his role to focus on product development at the company.

Focusing on his personal passion for product and customer service, Graham will continue as a full-time member of the executive team once in his new role, which is set to begin once his successor as CEO is appointed.

Last year, the retailer secured financing of £30 million to turn the business around and has turned its attention to its digital offerings to boost sales.

In recent months, the retailer has worked hard to strengthen its board, poaching Halfords’ multichannel chief in March to act as its Multichannel Director and appointing Tesco’s Chris Morgan as its Chief Finance Officer in the same month.

Just last week, Mothercare’s Jeff Fagan joined the outdoor specialist as new Retail Director and Go Outdoors Chairman Colin Holmes explained that a strong candidate must be found to take on the top role.

He said: “Go Outdoors now seeks a world-class retailer as our new CEO who will be in the enviable position of joining an executive team featuring some of the most gifted retailers in the business.

“We are delighted that John is a central driving force shaping Go Outdoors’ exciting future.”

It is expected that the role could take up to a year to recruit for and the search is being led by Maria Henderson of The MBS Group.

Explaining the motivation behind his move, Graham said: “I am driven by making the outdoors more accessible through providing customers with ranges of great products from great brands.

“For me it’s about adventures and giving customers the best equipment to make them happen.With this in mind, I have decided to focus on the business areas where I add most value and growth potential to the company.

“And I am delighted to have secured the board’s support in seeking a talented retailer to take over as CEO to lead the delivery of our vision.”